Popular Indian festivals you cannot ignore

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Filled with diverse cultures and varied religions, India is witness to several festivals, with festive spirit deeply imprinted in people’s hearts and souls. Accompanied with special dishes, sweets, and lights, the festivities transcend all limitations and spread cheer among all. Here is a list of the top five Indian festivals celebrated across India that you can witness while exploring the country.

List of Popular Indian Festivals

Diwali

Diwali is more popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’ and illuminates every household. This Hindu festival is celebrated across several Indian states. Decorating the houses with little lamps, lights and candles is an essential part of the festivities. Sharing homemade sweets and bursting crackers also add to the fun and cheers for the Indian festivals.

Durga Puja

A festival that is chiefly celebrated in eastern India, especially West Bengal, Durga Puja is eagerly awaited throughout the year by all! Celebrating the prevalence of good over evil, the festival is celebrated every year to pay tribute to Goddess Durga as she defeated the buffalo-headed monster Mahisasura. Spanning four days, the celebrations are accompanied by idol worship and pandal hopping wearing new dresses. Durga Puja is among the popular Hindu festivals in the country and is a part of the Navratri celebrations.

Holi

Holi is the festival of colors and is celebrated all across India. Spreading colors is practiced literally, in both dry and liquid forms, as you will find splashes of colored water and ‘gulaal’ thrown at each other on the streets. Held in March, the festival is accompanied by bonfires and dances. Varanasi is the city where you can see the celebrations in their ‘true color’.

Suggested Read : This Holi splash colors in the hills of India

Ganesh Chaturthi

The Hindu festival is meant to rejoice over the birth of Lord Ganesha, the God who symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and wisdom. Accompanied with dances, innovative decorations, and yummy dishes, the 10-day festival is elaborately celebrated across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh.

Eid-ul-Fitr

The end of the Ramadan month depends on the moon calendar and is the most awaited festival for Muslims across the world. Celebrating the breaking of the fast, the Muslims in India groom up with new glittering clothes and rejoice over mouth-watering delicacies.

Apart from the five Indian festivals mentioned above, Christmas is another festival in India that is immensely popular. Celebrating the birth of Christ, the festival though mainly observed by Christians has transcended religious boundaries, with Christmas cakes and Santa Claus adding to the fervor.

Evidently, your trip to India can be more fulfilling if you can witness and be a part of these colorful Indian festivals celebrated in the country